TWrecks

Walton

I should also mention the free market gave us the floods of 1913 and 1937 when we cut essentially all the forest in Ohio. People making what are rational economic decisions for themselves can leave society in a world of hurt; there is a role for government. But perhaps to ensure we don't have widespread floods it would be better if the state just bought the land or simply passed laws that you couldn't cut down trees. The conservation easements keep property in private hands at a relatively low cost to taxpayers, without the need for draconian measures by the state. And to answer an earlier question, not all land is eligible; there has to be a benefit, such as flood reduction.

Walton

Workingstiff: You didn't even know the program existed, so it's not a surprise you don't understand the economics. They have been worked out, and it is a deal for the tax$PAYERS you claim to champion. The relatively modest tax break given more than pays for itself. Sorry the hard facts go against your preconceived view of the world, but that's the way it is. And while you seem to have a good handle on the habitat requirements of several species that people hunt, you don't seem to realize that there are thousands of other species, some of which require considerably more mature forests than old fields and brushy second growth. Forests supply us with many real, quantifiable benefits, from drinking water to flood prevention.

MURPHY77

I hope we all appreciate the good work done by Marietta Police and the Sheriff's department. Waite and the Sheriff work well together and this is a major league plus for the community. Both are highly professional and their communication to the general public is first class.

Tessie

Did I understand this correctly? This guy has been in the Washington County jail for nearly a year and the trial was only this week? Sounds to me like the prosecutor's office is rreeeeeeeaaaallllyyyy slow.

watchdog1

Stoney Creek Log homes is just as bad, but they have taken advantage of a young couple just starting out. He took their money, wanted more,have completed very little and the majority of what is complete needs re-done. Is this not the same thing???? They were suppose to be in their house by fall 2012.

JoeBob1

Kudos to the Times for the headline--although they could improve it with some choice adjectives before the word "Swindler". This guy deserves what he got and more for just what he did to the woman in Cutler. Hope he has some assets to pay off his debts.

weefooze

This crook called our home and wanted to cut our timber in the Cutler area also but thankfully we wanted to leave our forest to nature rather than destroy it.His excuse for calling was that he was cutting other people's timber and thus being in the area thought of us. Boy did we dodge a bullet.

watchdog1

There is another individual/business in Marietta that the same thing needs to happen to. Stoney Creek Log Homes on Gillman Ave. The supervising contractor excused himself from the job due to the quality of materials this company expected them to use on the job. Now a young couple, after over a year, still has no house but they do lots of leagal fees. I don't know how this place stays in business.

jimkata

Crandall

Stiffy is right, when did this start? Not that it is an all terrible idea but does the State send people out to find homeowners who have woods on their property so they can offer them lower taxes for not cutting down the trees? Or does a homeowner approach the State instead? Can you live in a city and still qualify? How many trees get you that tax cut? Because I am willing to plant my whole back yard with trees if it would lower my property taxes.

Walton

It's actually pretty simple. As you well know, landowners are NOT taxed equally. If you have more improvements on your property you pay more tax. Agricultural land is taxed at a different rate than industrial land. Landowners who sign conservation easements keep their property in forest, reducing erosion and runoff to adjacent properties and anyone living downstream. Because they are foregoing economic activity on their land, it is eligible to be taxed at a lower rate, and other property owners benefit when there is less need to repair bridges, dredge rivers, repair landslips, etc. Fishermen benefit from cleaner streams and more fish. Sportsmen benefit from healthier game populations. Everyone benefits from other wildlife which in turn keep pest species in check. A case of a penny save a pound earned.